AAdvantage Elite Rewards are Back for 2012

It’s still early in the year, and many people may be busy trying to reach or maintain AAdvantage Elite status for 2013, but American just announced some extra incentives for those chasing Gold, Platinum, and Executive Platinum:

American Airlines Reveals Details For AAdvantage Elite Rewards

Rewards Include AAdvantage Bonus Miles, Systemwide Upgrades,
Admirals Club Benefits, Flight Discounts And More

Once again, American Airlines is pleased to announce that Elite Rewards are being offered in 2012 to thank AAdvantage elite-status members for their continued loyalty to the airline. In addition to the benefits already enjoyed by elite-status members, qualifying AAdvantage Executive Platinum, AAdvantage Platinum and AAdvantage Gold members will have the opportunity to select from a list of additional exclusive Elite Reward offerings.

Just like last year, qualification is based on the number elite-qualifying points (EQP) rather than elite-qualifying miles (EQM).  Points are earned based on a combination of miles and the fare class you purchase: deeply discounted fares earn half as many points as more expensive, and ofter more flexible, fares.

For example, a 1,000 mile trip will earn 500 points if the ticket was booked with a Q fare class (.5 points for every mile), and full fare Y ticket will earn 1,500 points (1.5 points for every mile).

Here are the rewards for the 2012 qualifying year:

AAdvantage Executive Platinum members who earn 125,000 or more elite-qualifying points will be eligible to select two of the following rewards:

35,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles
Two (2) one-way systemwide electronic upgrades
One (1) one-year Admirals Club membership
Gift of AAdvantage Gold status for a friend
One (1) 20 percent AA.com discount promotion code for future systemwide travel on American Airlines

AAdvantage Platinum members who earn 75,000 – 99,999 elite-qualifying points will be eligible to select one of the following rewards:

25,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles
Eight (8) 500-mile electronic upgrades
Four (4) Admirals Club one-day passes
Gift of AAdvantage Gold status for a friend
One (1) 15 percent AA.com discount promotion code for future systemwide travel on American Airlines

AAdvantage Gold members who earn 40,000 – 49,999 elite-qualifying points will be eligible to select one of the following rewards:

15,000 AAdvantage Bonus Miles
Four (4) 500-mile electronic upgrades
Two (2) Admirals Club one-day passes
One (1) 10 percent discount code for future systemwide travel on American Airlines

Qualification for Elite Rewards is based on your end of the year elite-status level and the number of elite-qualifying points earned for the year 2012.

To participate in Elite Rewards, register from now until Dec. 15, 2012, at www.AA.com/Offers using promotion code ELTA2.

In the past Elite Rewards were announced later in the year, leaving less time to adjust your elite qualifying strategies. It’s nice to get an early start this year.

Go here for full details.

Photo: Gift
Credit: asenat29 on Flickr